asked the Minister for Energy regarding proposals for a gas pipeline northwards to Dundalk, County Louth, the nature of his request to Bord Gáis Éireann to re-examine the proposed routing of the pipeline; the date of this request; the new factors Bord Gáis Éireann must take into account; the route currently under consideration by them; his views on whether they should look at a different route to the ones currently under consideration; the reasons for such a request; the objections he has to the route preferred by Bord Gáis Éireann; and if he will make available all information regarding the alternative routes for public debate.
Written Answers. - Gas Pipeline Route.
190.
BGE were requested on 18 March 1987 to re-examine the proposed north eastern pipeline project on the basis of an alternate route for the pipeline which would serve population centres north of Dublin and be within reach of the horticulture industry. The original proposal from Bord Gáis Éireann envisaged a pipeline going directly north from Abbotstown in Dublin to Drogheda with no allowance being made for any offtake of gas along the way. It seemed appropriate to use the opportunity to tap into the large potential gas market in north County Dublin and the horticulture industry in particular. The route now proposed is the outcome of BGE's consideration of all the market potential cost considerations.
The route for the pipeline as planned at present will take it north-eastwards from Abbotstown to Ballough in north County Dublin and north-westward from there to Platin and Drogheda and onwards to Dundalk. Offtakes to Lusk, Donabate, Rush and Skerries are planned from Ballough. A spur from Abbotstown is to serve the Santry-Swords-Malahide area.
It is my expectation that the route as described would improve the financial and economic feasibility of the project.